Combination exercising and massaging apparatus



Sept. 1934. I M l bHAvlN 5 AL 1,973,945

COMBINATION EXERCISING' AND MASSAGING APPARATUS Filed'June 30. 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet l 1720672 2 022;: Maraan Sept. 18, 192.4. M. l.-CHAVIN El AL 1,973,945

. COMBINATION EXERCISING AND MASSAGING APPARATUS I Fild June 30. 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 wZiZZ emdz 3 v 4% Sept. 18, 1934. M. l. CHAVIN El AL COMBINATION EXERCISING AND MASSAGING APPARATUS Filed June 30, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Sept. 18, 1934 A U ITE T TE-S COMBINATION EXERCISING AND MASSAG- ING APPARATUS Marion I. Chavin and Albert J. Bennett,

' Chicago, Ill. 7 z

Application June. 30, 1933," Serial No. 678,414 13 Claims. (01. 272-58) Our invention relates in general to exercising apparatus, and in particular, to a combination exercising chair and rubbing table adapted to provide exercise for every part; of the body of ;=1 the user while in a sitting or. in a prone position, and serve as a rubbing table after completion of the exercises. 1.

There are various types of exercising apparatus on-the market which provide the desired exercise for particular parts of the body,.but no single device which will make it possible to work upon every part of the body. To carry out a complete set of exercises for-every part of the body necessitates, therefore, a number of pieces of apparatus which involves a large cash outlay, and an extensive space within which to install and operate the same.

It is an object of our inventionto provide a simplified andeffectiveexercising apparatus. .A still further object is to'provide a compact, sturdy and simple apparatus which in effect is a gymnasium in itself, but which may provide these facilities in a low cost device.

. t is also an object to provide an apparatus which will aiTord any desired exercise, to any part of the body which exercise may be taken while the user is in aprone or sitting position.

A further object "is .to provide an exercising apparatus which may also be used as a massaging.

; table after completion of the desired exercises.

' 'Asti1l further object is to provide such an apparatus which is flexible as to its various elements and may readily be adapted to the needs of any particular individual. 7 H I v Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from ,a consideration .of the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings wherein I Fig. 1 is a, view inperspective of the complete exercising apparatus; i

Fig. 2 is afront elevation of the device;

Fig. 3,-is a side elevation of the device with the back member in various positions;

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the apparatus with the back member in a horizontal position, and

' showing one embodiment of the spring tensioning means of the leg exercising elements.

Fig. '5 is 'a bottom view with the back member in an upright position and illustrating a modification of the tensioning means on the leg exercising elements;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional. viewalong the line 6-?6 of Fig. 4;

'Figjf? is a perspective view of the apparatus .withthe removable exercising elements disas- 25 of thebody member.

sembled, and the device ready for use as a mas sagingtable; I

Fig. 8 is a side View illustrating one use of the Fig. 9 illustrates .the user in a of the exercise of Fig. -8; r

Fig. 10 is a front elevation illustrating another use of the device; 1 Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view illustrating'thea manner in which the head and neck muscles may be exercised; f

Fig. 12 isa perspective view of the removable foot-rest; and 1 I r Fig. 13 is a .removable extension for the table when it is used for massaging or rubbing; 1 1 701 In practicing our invention we providea chairlike structure with a stationary body member having a movable spring-tensioned back, with a movable head-rest and .exercising elements for I the legs, head; shoulders, arms; and in fact every possible the use of the device in every desired-' exercise and also the use as a massaging or rub-. bing table after the. exercises are completed.

Fig. 1 illustrates the complete apparatuswith I a stationary'body member 15 havinga movable. back member 16. pivotally secured thereto. The body member and back are. illustratedwith'ret J movable cushions 17 and.18, which may be'see.

, cured to these two members in-any desired man ner. The apparatus can, of course, be used satisfactorily without the cushions; but theseprovide a greater amount of. comfort for the user. An adjustable head-rest 19:is carried on the back 1 member 16 and this likewise has apad 21 to increase the comfort of the-user. Leg exercising 1 elements 22 and 23 are supported underneath the body member 15 and are adapted to be carried r and extended through holes 24 in the front brace In the prior art devices it is necessary to have:- a number of pieces of apparatus to provide thev desired exercise for shoulders, legs, armsyandw other parts of the body. This necessitates aconsiderable investment in equipment and a com-i parativelylarge space within which to house-the extensive equipment. With our apparatus we" 105 make it-possible to exercise every muscle inthe body and provide means whereby the strenuousness of the particular exercise may be reg ulated to the desires of the individual using the apparatus. Springs 26 on each side of the device and llo second position secured to a lower extension 30 of the back member 16 and the rear legs 20 of the body member 15 tension the back member so that it is necessary that the user work against the tension of the spring in an exercise such as that shown in Fig. 9. The rear legs 20 are slanted backwardly from the vertical to improve: the bracing of the apparatus and make it more stable. Longitudinal extensions from the bottom of the front legsmay also be provided through which to bolt or secure the front of the device to the floor. Removable springs 2'7 with handle-grips 28 are attached adjacent the top of the back member 16 and on the sides thereof in a position so that they may these springs a flexible covering '75 may be slipped over the spring as shown in Fig. 9 so that there will be no danger of pinching th'euser when in a position as shown in Fig. 10. A similar set oi" springs 29 with handle-grips 31 are also removably secured on the sides of the body member.

15 and adjacent the front in a position to be used as shown in Figs. 8. and 9. The; back and hip muscles particularly are exercised by any com-.

bination of the. above with a.simultaneous..backward and forward movement. of the pivotal hack 1& against the; tension of springs 26, or this motion may be carried out alone with very beneficial efiects.

It is: to be. understood, oi course, that where springs are referred to, we also contemplate the use of a. flexible or elastic strap for providing the desired exercise over the entire apparatus. Rubber and rubber complained materials operate satisfactorily-as av substitute for the springs.

To complete the apparatus for exercising the upper part of the. body, an elastic band 32 is removably secured tn the head-rest 19 in a position. over the pad 21, so that it will fit 'overthe forehead of the. individual using. the apparatus and provide exercices tor the head and neck as shown in Fig; 11:. This elastic: band 32- also. holds the head in position againstthe pad while other excruises are. completed by the individual, thus mm; the head in a more or less stationaryorthe leg exercising elements 22 and 23 with said foot-rests having irictionpads 36 carried by means of flanges 3'1 in the upwardly extending *portion: 38 thereof. Each foot-rest comprises further, a'short extension 39 lying at an angle greater than 90 with the portion 38. Curved ears 41 extend outwardly and upwardly irom eachi side 01 the portion 319. in a manner so that they will gg extend over the side rods 46 of the leg elements.

22 and rods 4'? of the element'23 in a position:

such thatrods will fit. in the'reee'sses 43 at the bend between the upwardlyextending portion 38 and the portion 39 as shown particularly in ,ir g l igs. I and 3; This provides a sturdy locking engagementbetween the elements 22 and 23 and the'memb'ers 35, permitting ready removal of said membersand at the same'time preventing" any possible slipping while in looking engage adjustment on the element itself as shown in Fig.

be used as shown in Fig. 10. With respect to bers 22 and 23, and having flanges 68 and 69 which 1 hook under the front brace 25. Furthersupport 4 whereby springs 44 may be carried over each leg 46 of the lJ-shaped element 22 and over. rods 47 of the similar element 23. Thumb screws 48 on each of the ends of each of the legs 46 and 47 provideiorthe: desired adjustment of the springs after they are inserted over the rods and also make for the ready removal of said springs. This construction is shown particularly in Fig. 4 and illustrates clearly the manner in which a considerable tension may be put on the elements 22 and 23 by means of two: springs on each element so. as to satisfy the needs of the mostactive user. A modified structure. is: shown in Fig. 5 which a bridge 49 is supported. across the legs 50 and 51 of theelements 52 and 53, respectively; identical with the elements 22. and 23. The bridges 49 are held on the legs by means of thumb-screws 54 which thumb-screws also serve as adjusting means forsaid bridges. Single springs 56 and 57 are then attached between the rear brace 58 01' the body member l5 'and the bridge 49 so that the user is: exercising only-against a single spring on each of the elements 52 and 53. This single spring can, of course, be provided in any desired flexibility or strength. a

The beneficial effects of a thorough massage after the completion of a desired.- set of exercises is well known, and particularly in clubs and gymnasiums facilities are ordinarily provided for massaging the individual immediately after completing his exercises. At the present time this necessitates an entirely separate table, which, in addition to the cost involved requires a considerable amount of space in the gymnasium or clubroom. With our apparatus the back member 16 12 1 may be swung down to a horizontal position, legs 59 and 61 unfolded as shown in Figure '7, and the entire back member then locked in a horizontal position inany desired manner. This may be accomplished very satisfactorily by means of a latch 62' pivotedonthebody member 15, which latch is hooked over a pin 63 on the side extensions 30 o! the back member 16. A removable extension 64, as shown in Fig. 13, is adapted to be supported at the foot of the body member when used as a rubbing table to provide a longer table. The extension 64 is supported and locked in place by means of downwardly extending cars 66 and 67 extending through the closed loop 01- the memis providedin the elongated portion 71 which lies against the brace 25, and has an inwardly extending flange '7-2'hooked under the brace; Lugs 73 and '14 assist in quickly positioning the extension on the apparatus. The head-rest l9 and the cushions l7 and 18 may be removed from the apparatus so as to provide a bare table as shown in Fig. 7, or a sheet of cloth may be thrown over these parts and massaging undertaken immediately after completing the exercises.

As illustrated in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11', any set of exercises may be undertaken according to the desires of the user. Although the figures are illustrated in a sitting and semi-prone position, it 139- may readily be Seen that the individual may stand upon the body member and take exercises in standing position, using principally the spring elements 29.

combinations of exercising elements noted. While taking these exercisesto any degree of strenuousness, the individual remains in a com fortable position so that the exercises do not become as boresome as though it were necessary to assume a somewhat uncomfortable position. It is also possible for the individual'using the apparatus to relax during any, part of his routine and rest comfortably on the device for any desiredtime, thus making the devicemore attractive and practical, for occasional relaxation'is beneficial under these circumstances.

' Although we have notdescribed;burapparatus as constructed of any particular material or secured together in any-particular manner, it has been found that either wood or metal may be used satisfactorily for the frame, keeping in mind in a the construction the matter of sanitation, sturdi ness, compactness and cost, and at the same time or all parts of the bo'dy'for the purpose of re-' ducing. It is also very beneficial for general toning up of the entire body, and is particularly satisfactory for these latter two purposes because of the ready adaptation of the springs or other flexible elements to fit the physical condition of any user.

What we claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is: g 1. In an exercising apparatus, a stationary body member including a seat and a supporting frame, a pair of leg exercising elements slidably carried under the seat and supported by the frame, with each element comprising an inverted U-shaped rod with the closed end extending beyond the frame and the legs of said element supported in the frame, a spring carried on each leg of each element and tensioned under the frame, and a foot rest mounted at the closed end of the element, whereby to provide exercise for the legs 'of the user upon sliding the elements in and out of the frame.

2. In an exercising apparatus, a stationary body member including a seat and a supporting frame, a pair of leg exercising elements slidably carried under the seat and supported by the frame, with each element comprising an inverted U-shaped rod with the closed end extending beyond the frame, and the legs of said ele- I ment supported in the frame, a bar bridging the open end of said element and secured thereto, a spring connecting the bar and the back of the frame of the body member, and a foot rest mounted on the closed end of each element whereby to move the element upon movement of the leg of the user, to tension the spring and provide exercise for said users legs.

3. In an exercising apparatus, a stationary body member including a seat and a supporting frame, a pair of leg exercising elements slidably --carried under the seat including a pair of rods However, it is not believed that this is l necessary, for every muscle may be exercised while in a prone or sitting position using the various joined at one end, a foot rest removably supported on the rods at the closed end, comprising an upwardly extending portion and a horizontal portion integral therewith, a hooked ear extending outwardly and upwardly from each side adjacent the front of the horizontal portion for hooking 'over each rod, and a recess at the back at the juncture-of'the horizontal and upwardly extending-portions for receiving-each rod and permitting it to extend therethrough whereby the foot rest isrigidly supported on the element to provide 'for slidable movement of thesam'e to exercise the leg of the'user.

4. In an exercising apparatus, a stationary body member, a back memberhingedly secured thereto and a connecting spring-tensioned to op-* pose pivotal movement of the back in one direction and provide exercise for the user upon movement of saidback, ahead rest adjustably secured to the back member and having a flexible head band for adjustment over the forehead of the user whereby to provide exercise for'the'head, neck and upper parts of the body upon movement of the same and to provide exercise to, the same while holding the'head substantially rigid during movement of the remainder of the body on'the apparatus. f

5; In an exercising apparatus, a stationary body member including a seat and a supporting frame, a'front horizontal brace insaid frame, a pair of leg exercising elements sildably' supported by said brace and carried normally'undergthe seat, each including a pair of rods joined to close at one end, a removable extension member for the front of the body member, and means for locking the extension inposition on said member, said means including a pair of downwardly extending ears for insertion through and support on the leg exercising elements, and horizontally extending flanges from said ears for hooking under the front brace whereby said extension member is supported in a horizontal position to increase the length of. the body member.

6. In an exercising apparatus, a stationary body member including a seat and a supporting frame, a pair of horizontally extending leg exercising elements slidably carried under the seat and supported by the frame, flexible tensioning.

means in connection with each element, a foot rest for each of said elements to provide for moving the elements out of the frame against tension to exercise the legs of the user, and means for carrying the foot-rests on the elements, in a manner whereby said foot-rests may be removed and the leg-exercising elements moved back out of position under the seat.

'7. In an exercising apparatus including a seat and a back member hingedly secured thereto, arm exercising springs removably secured to the sides of the back member adapted to be grasped in the hands and tensioned by the movement of the arms of the operator while sitting in the seat, whereby said springs may expand and contract parallel to and adjacent the arms of the operator and a flexible covering for said springs adapted to stretch with the springs to prevent pinching of the arms of the user in the individual coils of the springs.

8. In an exercising apparatus, a stationary body member, a back member hingedly secured thereto, a spring connected between thebody member and back member .to oppose pivotal movement of the back in one direction, arm exercising springs on the back and body members adapted to be grasped in the hands, leg exercising elements extending forwardly from and sup ported by the body member, and a flexible head band secured to the top of the back member for fitting over the forehead to maintain the head in position-and exercise the head and neck muscles .9; body member including a seat and a supporting frame, a pair of leg exercising elements slidably carried under the seat'and supported by the frame, a foot-rest foreach of said elements to support the foot of the user to move the exercising elements, andspring means between each element and the frame foropposing movement of said element in one direction. I

10. In an exercising apparatus, a. stationary body member including a seat and a supporting .frame, a leg exerciser slidably carried under the seat and extending beyond the frame, said exerciser including a pair of horizontal rods, 2. foot-restfor mounting on said exerciser outside said frame, with means on said foot-rest for hooking over the rods of said exerciser to re- 'movably secure said foot-rest thereon, and flexible means between the frame and exerciser to oppose movement of the same in. one direction to exercise the users legs.

11.'In an exercising apparatus, a stationary "body member, including a seat, and a supporting frame, a. pair of leg exercising elements extending horizontally and slidably carried on the frame under the seat, flexible means between said frame and said leg exercisers for opposing movement of the exercisers in one direction, an arm exerciser carried on each side of the seat adjacent the front thereof comprising a flexiblebody be moved simultaneously to provide exercise for substantially the entire body of the user.

12. In an exercising apparatus, a stationary body member, including a seat and a supporting frame, a back member pivoted on the side of and forwardly of the rear edge of said seat, arms extending downwardly from the sides of the backv member to a point below the seat and resilient means lying entirely below the plane of the top of the seat extending from the lower portion of the arm to the lower rear portion of the body member, to tension said back member and oppose backward movement of the same to provide exercise for the operator.

13. In an exercising apparatus, a stationary base including a seat and a supporting frame for said seat, foot supporting means in front of the seat and substantially on a plane therewith, a back member having downward extensions on each side, with pivotal means extending through said extensions and through the supporting frame to pivotally secure said back member to the frame at a position forwardly of the rear edge thereof with the back spaced above the plane of the seat to leave a. space therebetween whereby the back member may telescope over the rear of the seat to permit a horizontal position of the member, and resilient means lying entirely below the plane of the seat connecting the downward extensions and lower rear portion of the base to oppose movement of the back in one direction and with the feet of the user rest ing on the foot-rest to provide exercise for said user.

MARION I. CHAVIN.

ALBERT J. BENNETT. 

